Harakit.EP

It carries out damaging actions on the affected computer.
It searches for and steals passwords saved for certain Windows services.
It terminates processes belonging to security tools, leaving the computer vulnerable to other malware attacks.
It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user.
It spreads
, across the Internet, via mapped drives, through shared network resources.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

Sept. 23, 2010

Detection updated on:

Oct. 25, 2010

Statistics

No

Brief Description

Harakit.EP is a virus that spreads to other computers by copying its code to other files or programs.

It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
passwords saved by certain Windows services.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it terminates processes belonging to security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, leaving the computer defenseless against attacks from other malware.

It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user:

It deletes the original file from which it was run once it is installed on the computer.

It modifies system permissions in order to hide itself.

Harakit.EP uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.